What is Reflexology?

When I first started on my quest to learn a new career in, initially massage, I was also organically drawn to some of the other disciplines like; meditation, reflexology and the talking therapy subjects. I was studious, completed my courses, passed my exams and started practising.

I really had no idea how powerful all these therapies were to us until I started to see the results in my new clients after they kept coming back for more. They told me they felt so much better, fantastic even. I had reports of, ‘I’ve always had this problem and after visiting you I spent 2 weeks without any niggles for the first time in a long time’, and, “I feel like a new woman”, “You are a little gem” and lots more.

I was only doing what I, and everyone else is taught, wasn’t I?

Then I realised something I hadn’t consciously realised. Not only was I doing the massage I was taught, but I was also adding in a little bit of reflexology here and there, even though it hadn’t been asked for, I somehow instinctively felt it was necessary. So as time went on, more and more people were coming for reflexology, most of who had never had it before and didn’t even really know what it was all about. So, I thought I would use this week’s blog to enlighten you! It’s another excuse to visit your local massage therapist and to look after yourself afterall!

Let’s explain the word itself, as it doesn’t really tell us anything. Reflex, in this case, means; a system of massage used to relieve tension and treat illness, based on the theory that there are reflex points on the feet, hands, and head linked to every part of the body. The dictionary definition of a “Reflex” is “an involuntary or instinctive movement in response to a stimulus” or in the sense of reflection or mirror image. The reflexes on our feet and hands act as mirror images of the body.

Modern reflexology is based on an ancient form of therapy. There is evidence of some form of foot and hand therapy being practised in China as long ago as 2330 B.C. and also at the same time in Egypt, as depicted in the tomb of Ankmahor. The North American tribes of Indians are known to have practised a form of foot therapy for hundreds of years.

There is some confusion about the true origin of this powerful therapy, sufficient to say that it has stood the test of time and has helped thousands of people to better health.

Every organ, gland and nerve in our bodies is represented by an area in our feet. In some cases both feet have the same areas, some, like the heart, gall bladder and spleen only appear on one of the feet. It’s not just the soles of the feet, it’s the toes, the areas all over the top and sides of the feet, also the hands and ears. Like little control panels for the rest of our body.

Effectively in a general reflexology treatment the manipulation of the entire feet stimulates your bodies energy flow, the manipulation releases ‘stuck’ energy to course through you like it’s 1999! By manipulation I mean small movements, mostly with the thumb, very light pressure is applied to all the major corresponding body areas. If you have any particular issue, like asthma, arthritis or osteoporosis, there is a specific treatment to the relative areas to manipulate and concentrate on, easing your pain and getting that energy to the points where you need them most, restoring your balance and creating a calmness within you. You have to be invested in it and believe in it, then your mind will help you boost your reflexology goals. Reflexology has an ability to stimulate nerve functions that not only help your body increase your energy levels, but your circulation, central nervous system, prevent migraines, clear urinary infections, sleep disorders and depression. What’s not to love?

There doesn’t seem to be any scientific facts I can give you, as I suppose it can’t be measured with scientific instruments, all those millions of Chinese and Egyptians over thousands of years can’t be wrong though, can they? All I know is that I now have clients that can feel physical movement in their bodies when their reflex areas are manipulated, they report feeling so much better, they come for regular reflexology to experience and feel re-energised. Why wouldn’t you do that for yourself?